In a recent dustup with a commenter or two, I found myself being labelled a “layman” on matters Constitutional. But where the commenter meant that as dismissive, I instead embrace it. I am, indeed, a “layman” on nearly all matters, an rejoice in that.
When Kevin invited in the guest posters a couple weeks ago, they all wrote little introductions to themselves. That made me realize I’d never done anything like that — and I think I know why.
I’ve often described myself as “a nobody from nowhere with a nothing job and no life.” That’s not self-deprecation, that’s plain honesty. I can back up all four statements. And I have no advanced degrees, no position of distinction, no certificates, no life experiences that I can point to and say “that is why you should listen to me and take my word for things.”
What I do have, though, are a few gifts that others lack:
1) I have a talent for words. I can express my ideas through the written (or typed) word with exceptional skill. And that is not purely ego talking; that is the opinion of numerous teachers, professional writers, readers, and other bloggers. I know I’m not the best writer in the world, but I do know I’m damned good when I put my mind to it.
2) I have a stage the likes of which few others have. With Wizbang, Kevin has given me a powerful platform from which I can speak. To paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton, “if I can speak louder, it is because I stand on the shoulders of a giant.”
Those facts shape my style when I write my pieces here. I know I have no short-cut to credibility, so I feel I have to work harder to persuade. I’ve seen many bloggers who simply pontificate, who pronounce things “good” or “bad” and expect the world to immediately bow to their genius. (I could cite a few examples, but the ones that come to mind are on the left, and I’m trying to avoid partisan issues here.) And it annoys me.
So that’s when I draw back on some of the best advice I ever received. A writing teacher drilled into my head three simple words: “Show, don’t tell.”
So, when I tackle an issue like the 2nd Amendment, or the genocide in Darfur, or why I think people like Oliver North, Rush Limbaugh, or Pat Buchanan are jerks, I don’t just say so. I show why I think that. I outline my whole thought process, and cite examples and evidence to back up my positions.
It’s a lot harder than simply proclaiming things as The Truth. But it’s more honest, and in the end I think it is more likely to be more successful.
So when a commenter dismisses my essays as “the work of a layman,” I sit back and smile. It’s like the stereotype of the drill sergeant. “Don’t you dare call me ‘sir!’ I am not an officer! I WORK for a living!”
No, I’m not a certified expert on anything. I don’t have any laurels to rest on. But that just means I have to work a bit harder — and that means that sometimes, just sometimes, I just might be better prepared to win an argument with someone who is an expert.
And if I’m wrong, I know I can count on plenty of people to tell just how I’m wrong, and how wrong I am.
Also Mark if you’re agreeing with mantis you either need another beer or (more likely) you’ve had one too many.
Having said the above I did not read his comment (I only stuck my head in because my wive pointed out the Mac/PC knuckleheadedness) but I did notice some people who can actually think rationally agreed with him on this one… go figure.
I guess even a stopped clock is right twice a day. 😉
P
Having said the above I did not read his comment
Typical. At least that way you won’t try to delete it or write an insulting response before closing comments. Oh, wait, this isn’t your thread.
Fords DO run better because their logo is oval!
(I’d rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy.)
Ha…among Wizbang’s funniest threads, ever.
Burning issue remains: which is cuter, Jay’s cat or Paul’s MAC? And why can’t any of us ever SEE either/any?
Suzy, I’d have to vote for my cat. Unlike Paul’s Mac, I’ve posted pictures.
J.
Here’s the only qualification you need: In my opinion you’re one of the top 3 most enjoyable to read bloggers out there.
I would suggest, Jay, that in this instance your talent for words has failed you. The term “layman” only denotes one who is not a professional in a given field. It has no bearing on that person’s expertise.
Jay, something just occured to me: Why not test your exceptional skill over at Les Nessman’s?
http://www.scriberoptics.com/100words/
How does Jay’s talent for words stack up against Michele Catalano? Steven Green? Jeff Goldstein? AllahPundit? John Hinderaker?
Jay raised the issue here. Let the readers decide.